Turf Show Times - All Posts#7and9bullshithttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2017-08-16T14:15:59-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/current/2017-08-16T14:15:59-05:002017-08-16T14:15:59-05:00Jared Goff: An NFL Underdog Already In Year 2
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<p>If Goff is lacking for any adversity in his short NFL career, all he has to do is Google himself.</p> <p id="IEk0Tp">First off, I will say that I believe that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> QB Jared Goff can be a productive starter.</p>
<p id="HTvfnq">When he was drafted #1 overall in the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016-nfl-draft?_ga=2.165269439.1647858006.1502805565-720129573.1499691414">2016 NFL Draft</a>, I had hopes he’d be an All-Pro QB that would lead the Rams back to glory. But I’ve tempered my expectations to a <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bengals-burning-question-can-andy-dalton-take-advantage-of-his-best-arsenal-ever/">“solid game manager”</a> since then. And who could blame me? Giving Goff the benefit of the doubt these days seems to be a fool’s errand. </p>
<p id="5ksvlo">Still, for ESPN’s Ryen Russillo claim that Goff is already a bust because he only played for two series in the first preseason game is a bit of a stretch:</p>
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<p id="EiCLah">It has taken less than a year for Jared Goff to go from golden boy to underdog. </p>
<p id="bySKB2">I watched Goff in practice yesterday, and I didn’t come away with too many reasons to feel good about his aspirations of being him becoming the next Joe Montana. However, Goff still showed off the skills with his arm that makes me feel like he can remain a legit starter for the Rams.</p>
<p id="s8KOLZ">Goff’s accuracy still needs some work, which isn’t exactly a secret.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Goff has been overthrowing a bit. <a href="https://t.co/kREE6xWaE7">pic.twitter.com/kREE6xWaE7</a></p>— Joey (@LaRamsRamsRams) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaRamsRamsRams/status/897233056968331265">August 14, 2017</a>
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<p id="H1vgGu">And <a href="http://theramswire.usatoday.com/2017/08/15/nfl-los-angeles-rams-sammy-watkins-jared-goff-training-camp/">as Cameron DaSilva wrote for The Rams Wire earlier yesterday</a>, he threw three interceptions. And yes, I’m troubled by those as well. But hey, the Rams’ defense is firing on all cylinders right now, so let them have their time in the sun.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">Tru!!! <a href="https://t.co/8xCozza0UI">pic.twitter.com/8xCozza0UI</a></p>— Joey (@LaRamsRamsRams) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaRamsRamsRams/status/897241805539889152">August 14, 2017</a>
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<p id="0OQw0Q">But the 22-year old did have his moments. Any time he threw the ball to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286482/cooper-kupp">Cooper Kupp</a>, it was an impressive reception.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice catch Kupp <a href="https://t.co/6H8IOWIYlT">pic.twitter.com/6H8IOWIYlT</a></p>— Joey (@LaRamsRamsRams) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaRamsRamsRams/status/897236435429761025">August 14, 2017</a>
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<p id="OZqy4n">For me as of now, on August 16, Jared Goff is not a bust. He’s not a star. He’s also not a mild-disappointment. He’s a player who is developing in a system with new coaches, a <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/12/16139622/transcript-la-rams-sammy-watkins-trade">new star receiver,</a> and a <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/15/16152534/la-rams-rb-todd-gurley-revisionist-media">third-year running back </a>that’s hungry for a bounce-back year. </p>
<p id="FuGk5D">Jared Goff still needs a season to grow as a quarterback. And he will do this while the media doubts his every throw before he makes it. </p>
<p id="lW5D8G">When will we know what we actually have in our #1 draft pick? Unfortunately, it won’t be anytime soon.</p>
<p id="WUdpyC"></p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/16/16154198/la-rams-jared-goff-ryen-rusillo-espnjoeyaucoin2017-08-16T12:59:29-05:002017-08-16T12:59:29-05:00The Same Issues Are Threatening The LA Rams’ Offense
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<p>Adding LT Andrew Whitworth isn’t going to answer all of the offensive line issues.</p> <p id="r9uhxo">Re-watching <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/events/524223">Saturday’s game</a> between the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a> was mentally exhausting. It was like seeing how the sausage was made, except instead of a mixture of ground meats, it’s ineffective run blocking and the inability to win battles off the line.</p>
<p id="zTwZqh">I realize hindsight is 20/20, but if Saturday’s game showed me anything, it’s that maybe the Rams should have added more than LT <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2621/andrew-whitworth">Andrew Whitworth</a> this offseason. </p>
<h4 id="SNfmny">Wrong results on the right side</h4>
<p id="rWrARh">From the first quarter, the offensive line struggled moreso the right side than the left.</p>
<p id="luiNZD">RT <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254508/rob-havenstein">Rob Havenstein</a> and RG <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254507/jamon-brown">Jamon Brown</a> were actually switched at the beginning of the offseason. Havenstein was moved to guard and Brown to tackle, but the pair were reverted back to their original position before the game. The Rams felt it was their best look on that side of the line.</p>
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<p id="m415I2">(<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/l1J3RyO843zPFBuhy">GIF link</a>)</p>
<p id="NOQz0o">If that’s the best look, I’d hate to see what the worst looks like. </p>
<p id="OnbJGO">Brown struggled mightily out of the gate, failing to move guys off the line-of-scrimmage or even cut off their path to the ball-carrier. </p>
<p id="lJhbli">Havenstein had a better night, but had a small share of poor offensive line play.</p>
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<p id="JOpbRo">(<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/26n6WqoCEnqqfM8jm">GIF link</a>)</p>
<p id="MdxroQ">Even on plays where the pocket was unbroken, Havenstein and Brown were bull-rushed and pushed right into Jared Goff’s lap on some plays. </p>
<p id="xCSI8b">If the Rams want to change the right side again, might I suggest doing so with an outside hire? Because the better option is not on this team. </p>
<h4 id="gBBGm7">Things could be worse, and they were</h4>
<p id="66FbV6">The depth players on the line are much worse than the first unit, answering the the most popular question on Saturday night, “How the hell is (insert player here) starting?” </p>
<p id="ZKgcRN">Because it’s a lot worse down the totem pole.</p>
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<p id="Wfyg6n">(<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/l1J3L7bwXqZN5Xk4w">GIF link</a>)</p>
<p id="6fmlTE">The bottom of the pole has to be <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277401/pace-murphy">Pace Murphy</a>. </p>
<p id="tVSqJv">From start to finish, Murphy struggled while his competition seemed to work him with ease. There are a few plays where the Cowboys’ defensive end would simply bat Murphy to the side, take a step opposite his initial cut, and have a somewhat straight path towards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254509/sean-mannion">Sean Mannion</a>.</p>
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<p id="rHgR3C">(<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/l1J3KUAvYwHUmBYFG">GIF link</a>)</p>
<h4 id="um0klA">Same problems, new year</h4>
<p id="w3ayNq">You could counter my observations by quoting stats and telling me that despite their worst effort, Mannion was only sacked twice (hah, only!) and the running game rushed for a combined 105 yards. You could do that, but you would be focusing on a small piece of the picture. </p>
<p id="7Wnw36">Take away RB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286472/justin-davis">Justin Davis</a>’ 32-yard run, and the running game’s day gets a lot less impressive. </p>
<p id="faVTQ7">Imagine what the running game would have been had the running backs been given solid running lanes. Imagine if the quarterbacks had a pocket to sit in while they waited for plays to develop.</p>
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<p id="6WUaBj">(<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/26n6JtRkJ4oLepKcE">GIF link</a>)</p>
<p id="AMYFt6">Imagine if they didn’t run the ball into a wall. </p>
<p id="tjenyn">‘It’s the first preseason game’ argument holds little weight because this is the same unit facing the same problems we saw in 2016. But who knows? Maybe an entire unit’s problems will be solved once September begins.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/16/16155648/la-rams-offense-offensive-line-andrew-whitworth-jamon-brown-rob-havenstein-dallas-cowboys-recapTG252017-08-16T12:30:19-05:002017-08-16T12:30:19-05:00Turf Show Radio S9E5: Preseason Game 1 Recap, WR Sammy Watkins Reaction
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<p>Where the hell is Joe?? In his absence we have two of TST’s newest staffers to talk about everything from Sammy Watkins, to the trickle down from the trade, and the preseason opener.</p> <div id="Xi4e5Z"><iframe src="https://percolate.blogtalkradio.com/offsiteplayer?hostId=145236&amp;episodeId=10213407&amp;referrer=twitter" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 180px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p id="OnuXNJ">(Apple News readers will need to head to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2017/08/15/turf-show-radio-ep-5-sammy-watkins-trade-and-plenty-more">the show page</a> to listen to the episode; you can find <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fturf-show-times%2Fid687044403" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the show in iTunes</a> too)</p>
<p id="gMYsqs">Where the hell is Joe?!</p>
<p id="jw4fbv">With 3k missing, I took on the challenge of showing the new kids on the block the ropes alone. Turns out it wasn’t much of a challenge at all, in fact they showed me the ropes as Joey Aucoin and Dylan Cardwell came on and killed it. </p>
<p id="qaFaAF">The guys were super prepared to drop some knowledge on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> and kept it fun-filled the entire time. We covered a lot on this week’s episode from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245809/aaron-donald">Aaron Donald</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245647/sammy-watkins">Sammy Watkins</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193255/tavon-austin">Tavon Austin</a>, preseason game one, stock up stock down, and a whole slew of good listener questions. </p>
<p id="yqsfIP">We dove into a great discussion of does it make sense for HC Sean McVay to want to keep Austin around, and discussed this being his <em>TRUE</em> make or break season. He’s essentially playing for his future this season after the addition of Watkins. </p>
<p id="w95udD">We also had a great break down of the play of some of the players from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/events/524223">the game Saturday</a> against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a>. We covered starters and the backups and just overall depth at certain positions. Also, have the Rams found a gem in the secondary in second-year UDFA CB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277397/mike-jordan">Mike Jordan</a>? He was really sticky in coverage and <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/14/16143372/los-angeles-rams-nfl-pff-preseason-week-1-dallas-cowboys-mike-jordan">graded out as the best player on the field by PFF</a>.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/16/16151502/la-rams-podcast-turf-show-radio-dallas-cowboys-recapmisone2017-08-16T12:05:01-05:002017-08-16T12:05:01-05:00LA Rams-Dallas Cowboys: 2nd Down, Second Guessing
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<p>Looking back at the Rams’ preseason opener.</p> <p id="VbLQbx">Well, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> Head Coach Sean McVay came away with a victory in his first game as a head coach, albeit a preseason game against a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a> who refused to play their stars. Still, “a win is a win.” Rams fans are happy football is back, and especially happy to see the “boys” lose. Nonetheless, there are three more preseason games to go. Here’s my 2<sup>nd</sup> down, second guessing armchair quarterback evaluation of the game.</p>
<h4 id="ddA7UO">FUUUMMMBLE!</h4>
<p id="1SHGdA">Nine times the ball hit the turf, five of which were on the Rams. Two of those fumbles were attributable to rookie RB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286472/justin-davis">Justin Davis</a>, who showed promise—if he could just hold to the ball. “Fumblitis” is a problem that will plague him from here on out. He created a resume for other teams to bone up on when he gets the chance to replace RB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254445/todd-gurley">Todd Gurley</a>. Instead of tackling Davis, defenders will go for the strip. If the past is prelude to present, that ball is going to go rolling out again. </p>
<p id="E1CmeP">It’s hard to teach someone who has reached the NFL level how to do the basic stuff. Davis has his style holding the ball too far up and away from his body. That’s what got him to the pros. Now, he must learn to tuck the ball into his chest; otherwise, he won’t be long in this “Not For Long” (NFL) league. McVay is aware of the problem and hopes to correct it. Yet, if Davis puts too much concentration onto holding the ball, it will invariably take away from his thought process needed to hit the hole and get up the field.</p>
<p id="LDdJOV">Rams fans should be crossing their fingers and hoping this gets resolved.</p>
<h4 id="BA7h71">Yuk</h4>
<p id="Vsriqw">The right side of the offensive line is just bad. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254507/jamon-brown">Jamon Brown</a> got beat down by the Cowboys, and this isn’t a problem that can be corrected. He’s just slow, and he can’t make that up. This led to bad angles being taken. The Cowboys’ front four exploited it by shooting his gaps, stuffing the run or causing QBs <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277391/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254509/sean-mannion">Sean Mannion</a> to hurry their throws. </p>
<p id="LtNrlF">Not to put just Brown off the hook, RT, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254508/rob-havenstein">Rob Havenstein</a> was merely serviceable. He’s just so big, it’s hard to get around him. </p>
<p id="nVvRmN">Group that together and Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer has his work cut out for next week to get this situation fixed.</p>
<p id="CsoR8C">You have to feel bad for Gurley. He’s getting beat up. Yes, he made mistakes too by not hitting the hole as quickly as he should, but he’s forcing himself to wait that split second longer for something to develop. He has to have confidence the hole will be there.</p>
<h4 id="arACSs">Catch the Ball!</h4>
<p id="hS4aWp">WR <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193391/robert-woods">Robert Woods</a> had a stellar performance by dropping the first pass thrown to him. Then he decided to top that by catching the ball at the Cowboys one yard line and simultaneously fumbling it in the end zone which got picked up by WR <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286482/cooper-kupp">Cooper Kupp</a> for the only touchdown of the game.</p>
<p id="IvXVyV">Overall, the Rams receivers were competent, though not superstars. The one stand out was Kupp. He made some really good plays, ran well after the catch and of course has a nose for finding the ball while its rolling around in the end zone—that’s called instinct.</p>
<h4 id="k8sYFQ">Good and getting better</h4>
<p id="FrmuhQ">The Rams’ defense came to play. The corners played great man-to-man coverage. CB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277397/mike-jordan">Mike Jordan</a> was especially impressive as was CB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/194337/nickell-robey">Nickell Robey-Coleman</a>. The defensive line was putting pressure on the Dallas QBs causing them to hurry their throws, but no sacks. Once DE <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245809/aaron-donald">Aaron Donald</a> gets in, the sacks will come. Truth is, the Rams held the Cowboys to three straight three-and-outs and just 10 points.</p>
<p id="GZ0JsD">Even though it’s a preseason game, that is impressive. </p>
<h4 id="uISW5t">Overall</h4>
<p id="IO50aM">For a preseason game, this played itself out as one with the proverbial stupid penalties and lack of star power on the field. Nevertheless, Goff led to the team to a TD after the muffed punt by the Cowboys and Mannion who played the bulk of the game was the player of the game by showing he could step in and led the team when necessary. </p>
<p id="3kpSJF">The Rams have a long way to go still but it’s looking like things are coming together.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/16/16156882/la-rams-dallas-cowboys-recapgo rams2017-08-16T06:55:02-05:002017-08-16T06:55:02-05:00Random Ramsdom 8/16: Josh Reynolds Wastes No Time Stealing The Spotlight Upon Return To Camp
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<p>The LA Rams have weapons on offense and it’s weird to say it. </p> <p id="Pd9ocT"><a href="http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Training-Camp-Report-Top-Takeaways-from-Day-14/e5167e35-7cab-4fba-8424-e936b10bdb6f">Training Camp Report: Takeaways Day 14 </a>| <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Rams</a>’ Official Site</p>
<p id="gGI9On">The team was back in full pads during Day 14 of training camp in a high intensity practice session. Today marked the team’s last full-padded practice of training camp before the team travels to Oakland to face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> in Week 2 of the preseason.</p>
<p id="VOiNXt"><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/15/highlights-from-tuesdays-rams-practice-2-2/">Highlights from Tuesday’s Rams Practice </a>| OC Register</p>
<p id="4ZqsFd">A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Tuesday</p>
<p id="rmF1Fe"><a href="http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/TRANSCRIPT-Sean-McVay-Day-14-Training-Camp-Press-Conference/c1e3c4e4-4e29-446c-8933-e029f44ab60e">Transcript: Sean McVay Following Day 14 of Training Camp </a>| Rams’ Official Site</p>
<p id="7WeUhQ">Sean McVay fields questions about his new offensive weapons following Monday’s practice session. </p>
<p id="PXTEDp"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20170815-story.html">Reynolds Steals the Spotlight in Return from Injury </a>| LA Times</p>
<p id="VPajJh">He hauled in passes on deep routes, won contested end zone balls for touchdowns, and wowed defenders and coaches alike with sideline grabs and receptions over the middle.</p>
<p id="OfcICq"><a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/nfl-la-rams-todd-gurley-call-it-a-comeback/?ex_cid=story-facebook">Gurley: Don’t Call It A Comeback </a>| The Undefeated</p>
<p id="uBmLqt">Running back sets his sights on bounce-back season under new coach Sean McVay</p>
<p id="vXHS09"><a href="http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/15/even-without-aaron-donald-rams-new-defense-looks-strong/">Even with Donald Out, Rams’ New Defense Looks Strong </a>| OC Register</p>
<p id="YCEXie">While the focus during this training camp has been on the offense – <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277391/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254445/todd-gurley">Todd Gurley</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245647/sammy-watkins">Sammy Watkins</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/2621/andrew-whitworth">Andrew Whitworth</a>, et al – the surest path to improvement for the Rams in 2017 will be on defense, particularly if coordinator Wade Phillips can continue to be a first-year miracle worker.</p>
<p id="yrIh8b"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/34809/wade-phillips-rams-defense-dominates-cowboys-jared-goff">Wade Phillips’ Defense Dominates Cowboys’, Jared Goff</a> | ESPN</p>
<p id="IxIsIk"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/154894/trumaine-johnson">Trumaine Johnson</a> jumped a curl route from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193391/robert-woods">Robert Woods</a> and came up with an easy red zone interception. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/276822/kevin-peterson">Kevin Peterson</a> did the same on the far side of the field. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254980/troy-hill">Troy Hill</a> scooped up a tipped ball in the end zone just before it hit the ground. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245817/lamarcus-joyner">Lamarcus Joyner</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277397/mike-jordan">Mike Jordan</a> had their chances, too, but dropped them. Jared Goff, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick who needs to take a big step forward in Year 2, threw three interceptions in Monday's practice and should've actually thrown five.</p>
<p id="Mj98SL"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/34795/rams-rookie-cooper-kupp-already-looks-like-an-nfl-receiver">Rams’ Rookie Kupp Already Looks Like an NFL Receiver </a>| ESPN</p>
<p id="GKU0T3">A breakdown of the Los Angeles Rams' 2017 draft class and its progress after two weeks of training camp.</p>
<p id="IUADlN"><a href="https://nflspinzone.com/2017/08/15/los-angeles-rams-offensive-line-issues-remain-unresolved/">Rams’ O-Line Issues Remain Unresolved </a>| NFL Spin Zone</p>
<p id="V2OGZZ">Despite offseason changes, the Los Angeles Rams offensive line’s preseason debut was unremarkable and issues remain front and center.</p>
<p id="78YByC"><a href="https://ramblinfan.com/2017/08/15/nelson-spruce-needs-to-do-more-to-show-los-angeles-rams-he-deserves-roster-spot/">Spruce Needs to Do More to Earn a Spot on the Roster </a>| Ramblin Fan</p>
<p id="GM1g0g"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277406/nelson-spruce">Nelson Spruce</a> played his first game for the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys in the first week of preseason.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/16/16155556/la-rams-josh-reynolds-2017-training-camp-standout-potential-starter-deep-threatBrandon Bate2017-08-15T20:30:18-05:002017-08-15T20:30:18-05:002017 Los Angeles Rams Training Camp: August 15 Practice Recap
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<p>Last practice before getting ready to take off and have a game against Oakland!</p> <p id="3fOwiK">Back at it, another day another dollar. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> have officially wrapped up another day of practice, let’s take a look at what happened.</p>
<h4 id="fyYCFI">Injuries</h4>
<p id="ynFJyx">Doesn’t seem to be much news on this front. WR <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286486/josh-reynolds">Josh Reynolds</a> has returned from injury and is practicing, and when I say “he’s returned”, he’s returned in a BIG way. Also, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245647/sammy-watkins">Sammy Watkins</a> seems to be 100% ready to roll. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">McVay said running back Aaron Green had hand surgery last week. He's practicing again. Presumably battling Justin Davis for roster spot.</p>— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/897621642695913478">August 16, 2017</a>
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<p id="TAE6EU">This was the noteworthy part in terms on injury. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277392/aaron-green">Aaron Green</a> needs to get healthy quickly, he’s got a chance to be a real contributor on the 53-man roster.</p>
<h4 id="i4CTm9">McVay’s Offense</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sammy Watkins got a little more involved in full-team drills today but still wasn't really targeted yet.</p>— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/897610915826122752">August 16, 2017</a>
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<p id="RmZJ6J">Sounds like Watkins is slowly coming along. There was news that Watkins was walking around with a play-sheet during practice.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One guy who stood out today: WR Josh Reynolds. He looked really good. Big target, made several impressive catches in traffic.</p>— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/897610004479434753">August 16, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saw a nice one to Reynolds in 7/7 <a href="https://t.co/nDCvv7vjPq">https://t.co/nDCvv7vjPq</a></p>— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/897616390483566592">August 16, 2017</a>
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<p id="sM697t">Sounds like rookie WR Josh Reynolds had a big day. Finally practicing again, he may be finally ready to show his true ability, and who knows, that blockbuster trade Les Snead pulled off a few days ago may have sparked him.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JaredGoff16">@JaredGoff16</a> ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/sammywatkins">@sammywatkins</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamsCamp?src=hash">#RamsCamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/O2HsznOWlz">pic.twitter.com/O2HsznOWlz</a></p>— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/897593082941657088">August 15, 2017</a>
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<p id="D6CSEU">Though they aren’t doing much (right now), this feels good to see. Sammy looks pretty healthy to me, and that was just way too easy for a guy as talented as he is.</p>
<p id="lUscMf">Lastly, not too much has come out on Jared Goff’s day, but it sounds like the defense is still flying around.</p>
<h4 id="FiYS8g">Wade’s Defense</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two interceptions each for Goff and Mannion today. First-team Rams defense very good once again. Cody Davis and John Johnson picked Goff.</p>— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/897621754893533184">August 16, 2017</a>
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<p id="iV8nqG">Once again, it sounds like the defense seems to be a step ahead of the offense. Yesterday’s practice (Monday), it was reported that Goff threw three interceptions, and two more that were dropped by defenders. Sounds like the defense is really starting to come into its own, and it’s consistently making plays on the daily. Now, this could be a product of being used to the offense’s tendencies, but they also showed in the game against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a>, that this defense is for real.</p>
<h4 id="kZTWMi">#FightForLA</h4>
<p id="PKdLMV">Sounds like things are progressing slowly, we’ll see this front after the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> game coming this Saturday. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/15/16154712/los-angeles-rams-nfl-training-camp-recap-josh-reynolds-jared-goffSosa Kremenjas2017-08-15T18:35:51-05:002017-08-15T18:35:51-05:00Schefter: “We May Not See Aaron Donald For a While.”
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<p>Apparently Aaron Donald was not impressed with the LA Rams’ initial offer</p> <p id="FLYuqZ">In case you haven’t noticed, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> have been without their best player - on either side of the football - for the majority of the offseason. </p>
<p id="vHxfJ3">Defensive tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245809/aaron-donald">Aaron Donald</a>, who’s entering his fourth year in the NFL, is looking to get paid. And rightfully so. He’s now known for being one of, if not <em>the</em>, best interior defensive lineman in the entire league. He’s made the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in each of his first three seasons. He lives in the opposition’s backfield. Yeah, he’s good. </p>
<p id="7sutQm">The Rams, who’ve been known to make a few questionable (to put it very nicely) contractual moves over the past few years, have yet to successfully lock him up.</p>
<p id="RksYQf">But it’s not for lack of trying. </p>
<p id="udwkxM"><em>ESPN’s </em>Adam Schefter joined the <em>Mike and Mike Show </em>on Tuesday morning <a href="http://www.espn.com/videohub/video/clip?id=20348019">to discuss the matter</a>. From his understanding the Rams have made “<em>a very strong offer.” </em>Apparently it just wasn’t strong enough: </p>
<blockquote><p id="qZShUq">Aaron Donald, when he gets a new deal, is going to make 60...65...70 million dollars in guaranteed money. Why would Aaron Donald go in, right now, to go play for $1.8 - $2M? Why would he do that? Ever? The Rams made, what I understand to be, a very strong offer right before camp; but I don’t think they’re going to budge as long as he’s out of camp. And he’s out of camp. And they’re not going to budge, so we’ve got a standoff...a standstill...whatever you want to call it, that I think threatens to go on for a while here. We may not see Aaron Donald for a while. </p></blockquote>
<p id="7FIwSL">“<em>A while</em>” is certainly a subjective term. Objectively, it doesn’t matter. The Rams are without their best player, and the regular season kicks off in less that one month. </p>
<p id="G2kr1x">Schefter goes on to note that Donald is foregoing $40k a day by not participating in team activities. To you and I that may sound like a lot — but as the No. 1 Insider in the biz stated, he may soon have 60-70 million reasons to forget about those paltry fines. </p>
<p id="hOTPTL">It remains to be seen <em>when </em>the Rams get this deal done, but it would go a long way to ease the mind’s of a fan base - who will never forget how the Rams made <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193255/tavon-austin">Tavon Austin</a> the <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/cap-hit/wide-receiver/">third highest paid wide receiver in the NFL in 2017</a> - if they got it done sooner than later. </p>
<p id="2kvKgO">Stay tuned. </p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/15/16154338/los-angeles-rams-2017-aaron-donald-contract-holdout-espn-adam-schefterBrandon Bate2017-08-15T15:04:59-05:002017-08-15T15:04:59-05:00LA Rams RB Todd Gurley, Under Pressure Again As Revisionist Media Fails To Lay Fair Baseline
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<p>It’s happening. Again.</p> <p id="SXZPBb">August, 2016.</p>
<p id="IrQ8CB">The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> are preparing for their first season after relocating back to SoCal. Rams RB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254445/todd-gurley">Todd Gurley</a> is on the cover of ESPN the Magazine’s NFL preview edition. He’s the reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year due to his four-game entrance into the league in which he averaged 141.5 yards per game, not so much so for the eight games thereafter in which he averaged just more than 66 yards per game. He’s gracing the cover behind the emblazoned title, “The Offense Strikes Back,” after taking part in one of the NFL’s two worst offenses, one that everyone deems “can’t possibly get any worse.”</p>
<p id="6SzPVE">In that cover story, ESPN’s Jason Reid lays the following on Gurley’s shoulders:</p>
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<p id="AzVTOr">The problem isn’t Gurley’s potential. It’s that the Rams, after 21 seasons in St. Louis, are all about the LA life now. And they’re not returning home with a winning touch—they haven’t had that in a long time. So Gurley doesn’t have time to <em>try</em> to get there. After last year’s 7–9 season, the Rams need him to carry the offense, at least until rookie QB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/277391/jared-goff">Jared Goff</a> gets his stance under him.</p>
<p id="neXal3">Legend time begins now.</p>
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<p id="n9uVWz">That’s a hell of a lot of pressure to put on a second-year running back.</p>
<p id="Jd2jqc">At the time, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/9/8/12847542/la-rams-todd-gurley-pressure">I saw that pressure cleaving off three clear outputs</a>: validating whether or not Gurley could (or truly needed to) win games on his own, seeing whether or not he would develop into a true superstar aided by the bright lights of Hollywood and whether or not he’d be able to live up to that pressure.</p>
<p id="wCjYr0">Instead, the 2016 Rams were an abject failure.</p>
<p id="VCsZkR">Head Coach Jeff Fisher was unable to materialize any kind of offense as it developed into one of the worst of the last 30 years. The defense, long thought to be on the precipice of earning that “elite” moniker finished 23rd in points allowed after opening the season losing 0-28 to the lowly <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> on national television. Goff, hoped to become a savior at quarterback after the Rams traded up to take him with the first overall pick and sacrifice their <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017-nfl-draft?_ga=2.194572205.1647858006.1502805565-720129573.1499691414">2017 NFL Draft</a> first-round pick to do so, was horrible. And Gurley? He and everything around him crumbled under that pressure.</p>
<p id="BEI56g">He didn’t win any of those games on his own. The lights never shone on his star. And on the basis of his 55 yards per game output, the pressure saw him crumple as that offense that “couldn’t possibly get any worse” did just that.</p>
<p id="2D1qdZ">It should surprise you not at all that much of the media that tried to puff up the 2016 Rams and Gurley have no interest in pulling back.</p>
<p id="eU0ECJ">Consider all the criticisms you hear of the 2016 Rams. Fisher’s bland offensive blueprint. His player-friendly approach. The lack of talent surrounding Gurley. Where were these criticisms a year ago? Where was a shred of concern that perhaps for all his individual talents, they were never going to be able to manifest unless the team could block, or pass, or call a creative game that softened up opposing run defenses?</p>
<p id="rfajzH">Feel free to take your time Googling for any of it. You won’t find much of it outside here.</p>
<p id="5UClSO">Today nearly a year ago to the day, <a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/nfl-la-rams-todd-gurley-call-it-a-comeback/">Reid has a new profile on Gurley</a>, one that yet again projects higher production. Off the chart talent. “Bigger and better things.” Because that’s all that’s ever going to get sold.</p>
<p id="8FeuLG">It plays on every Rams fans’ hopes by laying down buzzwords in place of any analysis of what actually stymied Gurley in 2016 because it’s more popular to exploit the hungry optimism of the unwitting.</p>
<p id="SvLyzT">There’s Reid calling Gurley one of the league’s most talented all-around backs, a hackneyed cliche that now carries the weight of Fisher dubbing Gurley “special” and “the best” and suggesting Gurley would be the best running back of the next ten years (many of the same people who are quick to dismiss such praise now in retrospect given Fisher’s failings with the Rams were more than happy to champion that praise over the last two years and call anyone who met that praise with caution “too negative.”). There’s Head Coach Sean McVay dubbing Gurley “ultraconscientious.” There’s former Rams RB Eric Dickerson softening Gurley’s 2016 season explaining after the fact that:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ZkgCfA">“It comes down to the guys they put in front of him. That was a big question mark last year. … Well, it really wasn’t a question mark. We knew how bad they were,” Dickerson said. “That has to be addressed first. If that doesn’t get rectified, it’s not even about him. You put anybody back there [with a bad line], you can’t be successful.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Ex7p5i">Much of traditional NFL media works on the Peter King scale: everyone in the NFL is a varying level of great. All head coaches are great, some just moreso than others. Every player is great. Front offices? All great!</p>
<p id="4ad4Ef">Every year, about a third of the teams provide their fans with something fans seem to think is not great. A team that goes 4-12. Or an offense that is unwatchable. Or a head coach who lies when he can get away with it and spins his way out of other questions when he can’t.</p>
<p id="ESjTZY">But don’t worry. This is the year. Things are different now. Everything has changed.</p>
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<p id="cwSZzH">“It all ties in,” McVay said. “When you have the ability to marry the run game with all the play-actions and the movement, that makes it easier for everybody.”</p>
<p id="mjrc8K">With the Rams’ new offense, there’s much to see. Gurley will get a lot of attention. He also could wind up gaining a lot of yards again.</p>
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<p id="ypmKFR">The show can’t begin again if it never ended.</p>
<p id="XbfS4s">Please take your seats.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/15/16152534/la-rams-rb-todd-gurley-revisionist-media3k